Wampus (2019)

Developer: John Vanderhoef
Platforms: Nintendo Entertainment System
Genres: Adventure, Arcade

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How it feels

An overhead NES narrative adventure where you play a hunted Wampus creature defending your planet from colonialists.

narrativeadventureoverheadecologysci-fiindieexploration

About

Wampus is an overhead arcade narrative adventure game developed for the Nintendo Entertainment System -- yes, the original NES! Wampus takes place in the world of Irata, first introduced in the obscure economic simulator game M.U.L.E in 1983. Irata is a planet invaded by colonialists, farming and mining the land for its natural resources. These resource-stripping activities threaten the local flora and fauna, especially the Mountain Wampus, who get hunted for their treasure. As a young wampus, players set out to rid Irata of the settler invaders and restore harmony to the land. While a fun lark, Wampus explores themes of environmentalism, conservationism, stewardship of the land, and the destructive nature of colonialism.

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More by John Vanderhoef

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